Lisbon to Seattle (LIS–SEA) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Portugal is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Portuguese passport holders enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. The ESTA costs USD 21, is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, and covers multiple entries. Apply at the official CBP site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) at least 72 hours before departure.

The 90-day stay cannot be extended, and you cannot change immigration status while in the US on the Visa Waiver Program.

Metro Red Line runs from downtown Lisbon (Alameda, Oriente) to the airport in 20–25 minutes (€1.85 single, or €0.48 on a Viva Viagem card). Trains run from 6:30am to 1am. The airport has its own station (Aeroporto) at the end of the Red Line.

Taxis from central Lisbon cost €10–15 and take 15–20 minutes with no traffic. Uber and Bolt are widely available at similar or lower prices. AeroBus (Carris) is slower (30–40 min) but cheaper at €4.

Link Light Rail from the airport station (inside the terminal) to downtown Seattle takes 38 minutes ($3.50). No transfers needed; trains run 5am to 1am daily.Taxis and ride-shares to downtown cost $35–55. For Bellevue and Eastside destinations (across Lake Washington), ride-share is faster than Link. Car rentals are in the consolidated rental facility; take the free shuttle from baggage claim. Sound Transit buses serve Tacoma, Renton, and Federal Way.

Marine west coast climate. Winters are mild but persistently grey and rainy (3–9°C). Snow is rare at sea level but can occur December through February, causing significant disruptions when it does. The airport sits between Seattle and Tacoma in an area that receives more fog and low cloud than downtown Seattle.

Summers are famously pleasant (18–25°C) with low humidity and mostly clear skies, one of the best flying climates in the US from June through September. The wettest months are November through January.